History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 125

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457

USA > Michigan > Washtenaw County > History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan > Part 125

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The Bank of Superior .- The next "wild-cat" birth in this neighborhood had its den in what was then called Lowell, near the place where the mills of the Ypsilanti Paper Co. are now located. It was christened the " Bank of Superior," and had for its god-

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fathers, John Van Fossen, President, and James M. Edmunds. Cashier. The stockholders' roll comprised the names of Arden H. Ballard, John Van Fossen, J. M. Edmunds, A. Wilber, and a few other farmers in the town of Superior,-the last fact doubtless sug- gesting its name. This "wild cat" had neither claws nor tail. Attempting to give the stereotype security on real estate, it was found that, valuable as that real estate ought to be, the titles to it were so defective that no cheek could be brazen enough to issue notes depending upon it for redemption. Nevertheless, about $300 of its notes were stolen and put in circulation. This was so great a blow upon its assets, that it ceased all further attempts to bene- fit our local public.

Follett, Conklin & Co.'s Bank .- After time had cleared away the fossils of these first banking growths, some sound, vigorous timber succeeded them. In 1852 Benj. Follett, Isaac N. Conklin and Samuel Y. Denton organized under the firm name of " Follett, Conklin & Co." They opened an office at the depot, in the second story of the building, afterward burned, and since known as Carr's Hotel. In 1853 S. Y. Denton withdrew, and his place was presently occupied by Chas. H. Tisdale. In 1854 their offices were removed to the Hewitt Block, and two years later, in 1856, to the building now forming the office of the First National Bank. This property was purchased from Weidenfield Brothers that year. Here the firm continued basiness until 1862, when the partnership was dissolved.

B. Follett & Co's. Bank .- In 1862 Benjamin Follett and R. W.H. Hemphill formed a partnership under the firm title of B. Follett & Co., and began banking operations in the Follett House Block, in the room afterward devoted to the law office of Norris & Uhl. This firm transacted business until 1865, when it changed its name and location,-its name to Cornwell, Hemphill & Co .; its location to " Mormon's Block."

E. & F. P. Bogardus .- This firm of bankers was organized May 1, 1860. Two years later the company purchased the present National Bank premises, and continued to transact business there until February, 1867, when they consolidated their interests with those of the First National Banking Company, hitherto established.

The First National Bank was organized Jan. 4, 1864, by Ben. Follett, I. N. Conklin, Asa Dow, D. L. Quirk, and Cornelius Cornwell. This association was subsequently joined by the mem- bers of the Bogardus firm. The present directory includes I. N. Conklin, Edgar Bogardus and L. A. Barnes, with F. P. Bogardus, Cashier.

Benjamin Follett's name alone has been carried down from the days of the " Ballard Banks " to the present day, as the only sur- vivor of all the wild speculators of the past. Entering the Ypsilanti bank as cashier, a few days after his arrival in Michigan, and while still under the age of 18 years, he learned much of the evil system, so that when the time of reformation arrived, he was the first to see

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a means of establishing a bona fide concern, which would prove profitable to its projectors and patrons alike. In 1852 he estab- lished an interest and deposit bank, and from such a cautious be- ginning comes the well managed First National, of Ypsilanti.

The banks of the present time operated here rest on sure founda- tions, which cannot fall to pieces, even under extraordinary circum- stances. High principles direct the officers; prudence characterizes the directors; this world has bestowed upon their capitalists a large share of her goods, and thus confers upon the city a few institutions where the capital of the unenterprising plutocrat may increase, even though it aids his less fortunate neighbor.

RAILROADS.

The Monroe & Ypsilanti R. R .- In 1836, the Monroe & Ypsi- lanti R. K. Company was organized, with a paper capital stock of $400,000. The charter provided that the line should run from Ypsilanti, via Rawson's Mill, to within a few miles of Monroe. Twelve miles was to be in operation by the year 1840, and the road completed in 1844. However, the passing of the charter was the only step taken.

The Ypsilanti & Tecumseh R. R .- The incorporation of a company to build this railroad took place in 1838. The capital stock equaled $200,000, with $100,000 loaned to the company by the State. Little was done to carry out the terms of the charter. En- gineer Bronson Murray directed a few contractors to enter upon grading their sections, which order was obeyed, and as soon forgot- ten. The curious traveler may yet view the result of the labors of those contractors, south, in the city limits, a little east of the Mon- roe road. $60,000 of the State loan were expended, when the State ceased the advance of more money, and with that action the work ceased to advance. The passage of this charter was due to the Speaker of the House, who made a bet that the bill would pass.

Detroit & St. Joseph R. R. carried out some of the provisions of a charter granted in 1831. In 1837 the State bought the road, changing its title to that of the "Central Road." The old com- pany, with a paper capital of $1,500,000, pushed forward the work of construction, and succeeded in grading a few rods east of Detroit. The completion of the road to Ypsilanti Feb. 8, 1838, by the State, after an expenditure of $400,000, was an event of great importance to the villagers. The "Central " at this period should have been named the "Grand Curved Line." The engineer in charge took much care in following the course of the Huron, scarcely giving a half mile to a straight line at any one place. The rolling stock of this road in July, 1838, was four engines, two passenger vehicles, and three freight trucks. Everything connected with the equip- ment of the road was singularly primitive, and afforded the wits of Ypsilanti full subject for indulging in their penchant. It was the introduction to the great railroad system, which now confers so many benefits on almost every section of the State.

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

A TRIP TO YPSILANTI BY RAIL.

The first railroad train"which left Detroit, as well as the first to arrive at Ypsilanti, appeared Feb. 8, 1838. The excursionists com- prised, among others, Governor Mason, John D. Pierce and Com- missioner Willis. The engineer in charge succeeded in coming hither; but in returning, this great fireman of Battle Creek burned out the flues of the engine, entailed a heavy expense on the com- pany, and so disorganized the whole engine that the State officers, with their distinguished guests, were compelled to walk into De- troit.

DETROIT, HILLSDALE AND YPSILANTI R. R.

In December, 1868, J. F. Joy wrote a letter to Chauncey Joslin, suggesting the propriety of building a railroad between Ypsilanti and Hillsdale. On Jan. 1, 1869, a day of storms, Mr. Joslin went to Detroit to confer with Joy. Subsequently he visited Lansing, laid the subject before a few of his friends there, who received the project favorably. Mr. Coon, member from Hillsdale, returned to his home immediately, agitated the subject there, and ultimately arranged for a conference at Ypsilanti. Previous to this meeting Mr. Joslin advised that the road be built from Ypsilanti via Adrian, over the route recently selected by the projectors of the new Butler Road. A company was incorporated immediately, municipal aid demanded and granted, and soon the work of construction was begun. Hillsdale subscribed $100,000, Ypsilanti voted $50,000, and all the villages and townships on the proposed route voted or subscribed large sums of money.

This wholesale pledging of municipalities now attracted some attention. On May 26, 1870, the Supreme Court decided that all aid voted by municipal corporations to railroad companies was unconstitutional, and refused to compel the township of Salem which voted monetary aid to the Detroit & Hillsdale road, to issue such bonds. After the decision in the case of the People vs. Town- ship Board of Salem, of all the bonds issued, every township board and village corporation received back such issue, leaving Ypsilanti's alone in the hands of the company, amounting to $32,700. The balance, $17,300, was delivered to citizens, who, subsequent to the decision of the Supreme Court, subscribed to the capital stock of the road.

Within a week after this celebrated case was disposed of, Mr. Joy, President of the railroad company, wrote to Mr. Joslin that since the Supreme Court had declared the city bonds void, the city owed to the railroad a duty which dictated that the citizens should take stock equal to the amount hitherto voted by them, and offering to return the bonds if they would take $40,000 railroad stock. Mr. Joslin replied that it was impossible to raise that amount of stock. The railroad man returned a proposition that $30,000 of stock

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would be accepted as an equivalent to the aid voted. To this Mr. Joslin responded, saying that he thought even this sum was not forthcoming; but an effort would be made. Soon afterward D. L. Quirk, a director and superindendent of the road, with L. D. Norris, attorney of the road, called a public meeting to forward the move- ment of subscribing stock. On the afternoon of the day of meeting Mr. Quirk called on Mr. Joslin, and stated among other things, that the company proposed, if the citizens would subscribe $20,000 capital stock, it would be accepted by the railroad company in lieu of the bonds declared void. It would appear from this that the company held out a threat that the amount of bonds would be collected. This is not so, the only threat held out being that of a breach of honor; for, if the city would not help the company, which had actually completed six miles of the road to Saline, a point of honor would not be sustained by the citizens. This meeting was held in Light Guard Hall. Speeches were made by Messrs. Norris, Quirk, John Gilbert, S. M. Cutcheon, C. R. Pattison, Dr. P. Davis, Chauncey Joslin and a few others. The moral obligation of the people to give aid was clearly established.

The main resolution carried at that meeting approved of the raising of $20,000. Quirk and Norris produced the stock book, and they with others waited on the prominent men of the town, so that, in 12 or 15 days, $19,500 were subscribed, with a sum set down for others, who promised to subscribe, equal to $2,000 more. At this point the stock book was withdrawn, and never presented again to the people. As soon as this stock was paid up, the com- pany notified the city that the city bonds had been sold to Taylor, of New York, and that the said bonds must be paid in full. The city remonstrated, snit was brought in the United States Court by Taylor, the city allowed the case to go by default, and judgment was taken for three years' interest. The fourth and fifth years' interest was paid voluntarily. Then the common council said to the railroad company, " You must give the city credit for the $19,500 stock, or we shall not pay any further sum upon the bonds."

Taylor instituted a second suit, was beaten, and now the cause is pending in the Supreme Court of the United States.

This statement is introduced, not only on account of its historical merit, but chiefly at the reqest of Mr. Joslin, who desires to vindicate the honor of the city, and preserve its fair fame.

In 1879, one-half the stock was disposed of to John Alley, of Boston, at a discount of 70 per cent. This resulted from the fact that the company had hitherto borrowed $1,100,000, on which sum it was unable to pay interest. The bondholders foreclosed the mortgage, bought in the property and issued new stock among themselves. Now, February, 1881, a report is current that the Michigan Central corporation has purchased the road in its entirety with the intention of engrafting it on its present system.

By what chain of unfortunate circumstances the people of Ypsilanti were induced to be so enthusiastic in regard to the build-

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

ing of such a railroad, is unknown. Dr. Rexford, Charles King, Captain Bogardus and others were the principal opponents of the measure. Mr. Jennis proposed nothing less than a vote of $100,000; S. M. Cutcheon urged a vote of $75,000, and C. Joslin the more modest sum of $50,000. The losses falling on the city directly, may be safely set down at $30,000, and the indirect losses for the first 10 years at $100,000. The profits arising from the trade of Saline centered now in the village of that name, would alone equal that sum.

HOTELS OF YPSILANTI.

One of the first business enterprises projected by an American settler in the neighborhood of Ypsilanti was Woodruff's Hotel, at the Grove, built in 1823. This was a double log house, and the first-class hostelry of the pioneer period. Here on July 4, 1824, the first "ball " or "dance" ever given in Washtenaw county was held. The celebration of that anniversary of Independence Day, referred to in other pages, was concluded within Woodruff's Hotel, almost all of those who participated in the celebration proper taking part in the festivities of the night. John Bryan and Jason Cross kept hotels at the Grove about the same time that Woodruff carried on the business.

The Whitmore House, so called from the fact that Judge Whit- more resided there at one time, was erected by Mayor Woodruff in 1825-'6, and opened as a hotel by Mr. Mckinstry in the latter year. Judge Whitmore afterward made it his residence. The building was beautifully situated on the west bank of the river, near Con- gress street bridge, in rear of the present location of Hemphill's bank, with a southern frontage.

The Perry House was built in the winter of 1827 by Chester Perry, on the southeast corner of Congress and Huron. The structure was large, well finished and furnished. The owner left New York State early in 1827, with the intention of building a hotel at Ypsilanti. He was accompanied by Salmon Champion and a carpenter,- the latter engaged specially to construct the house. In leaving for his new home, he brought with him a large stock of hotel furniture and utensils, window glass and sashes, nails and iron furnishings, with many other articles which might be required in the new country. On arrival at Detroit, the goods of Messrs. Perry and Champion were transhipped to a flat-boat, hired for the purpose of taking the party and effects up the River Huron. Arriving at Rawsonville the party disembarked, the goods were landed, placed on wagons, and all pushed forward, reaching Ypsilanti the day of arrival at Rawsonville. In 1860 A. P. Buck- lin purchased the house, and carried on the business of a first-class hotel until 1867. The year following, the structure was destroyed by fire.

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The Hawkins House .- The nucleus of this hotel, known as Tolland's Trading House, was built by Tolland, son-in-law of John Stewart, about the year 1827. It was a log building, located on the northwest corner of Congress and Washington streets. Tolland kept a small trading store there for some short time, until it passed into the possession of one Foster, who repaired it, and converted it into a hotel. Foster, further, built a two-story frame house, west of the old log building, in 1830, which was "the hotel " of the village for years. Shortly after these improvements were effected he disposed of his entire interest to Coy, who, in turn, sold to Dr. Millington. This last-named purchaser deeded the property to

Abiel Hawkins in 1834. Mr. Hawkins arrived in the village the year previous, and with this new purchase he entered on a pro- gressive career which evidently had much to do in raising up the hamlet to the rank of a village. The year after the new proprietor received the hotel into his possession the western addition to the building was made; subsequently the large return building, fronting Washington street, was erected, so that by the year 1848 he had the ground on which the new Union Block is built literally under a hotel edifice, bearing the same important relation to the village of that period as does the Hawkins House of to-day to the city of the present time. In 1846 Abiel Hawkins deeded this valuable property to his son, Walter H. Hawkins, who continued the hotel business until 1879, when he disposed of the land, and moved the main structure of his hotel further, west, upon the property of the old Ypsilanti banking company. This old building now forms the rear or northern extension of the new Hawkins House. In it are the dining-room and kitchens, with eight comfortable bed-rooms above. The Ypsilanti Bank building forms the eastern wing of the hotel, while the main structure, erected by W. H. Hawkins in 1879, forms the western or principal portion of the building. This hotel was opened Sept. 24, 1879. The total cost of the building, etc., may be set down at $25,000. The house is beautifully located, perfect in its arrangements, and one of the best conducted hotels in the State.

The Old Colby House, two miles east of the city, was erected by Zolva Bowen at a very early date-1827 or 1828. For many years he carried on the tavern business, and as it extended, enlarged the house, so that at one time it was the most pretentious building be- tween Ypsilanti and Detroit. The house was afterward conducted by William Colby, who sold to E. D. Lay, who disposed of his in- terest therein to Mr. Wyard.

The "Stack House" was built about 1827 and completed in 1830 by Mr. Stackhouse. It was a very important building in the early years of the village, and was liberally patronized. John An- drews, Geo. King, Abraham Sage and Andrew Brown carried on the hotel business there successively. It is now the quarters of several Africans. The house is at present standing on the north side of Congress street, a short distance east of the bridge. Its

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style of architecture, etc., gives a very fair idea of the olden-time village tavern.

The Western Hotel was built in 1838 by Mark Norris, east of the Follett House, and opened for business in May, 1839, by Abiel Hawkins and Abraham Sage. This was one of the great hotel enterprises of the period. The building was brick, with stone facings, well adapted to the uses for which it was designed, and conducted with a remarkable ability. A short time after the in- auguration of this hotel Mr. Hawkins bought out the interests of Mr. Sage in the business, and continued in the management of the house until he retired from business, making his home in the Brick Hotel, subsequently known as the Union school. The Western has passed away ; it was torn down to make way for the Central railroad extension, the brick of which it was built being utilized in the construction of the buildings in the vicinity, particularly of that block built by Mark Norris.

The Follett House was built in 1859 by a joint-stock com- pany, of which Benj. Follett was a principal shareholder. Mr. Follett purchased the entire interest in the building. The house was opened as a hotel by John Davis, July 4, 1859, who operated it until Dec. 9, 1859, when Abiel Hawkins took possession of it. This gentleman continued business there until June, 1862, when it was rented by John M. Cutler. Since that period the hotel has been under the control of various parties. Aaron H. Goodrich, now of Saline ; A. N. Tisdale, at present of the Tisdale House, Detroit ; Williams & Cutler, M. Cutler, and Mr. Stone have been proprietors successively. The hotel is closed at the present time.

The Ballou House was built in 1832-'3, and now forms the rear building of Shad's store. Ballou furnished the lot and material, and John Bryan was the builder and first proprietor. For two or three years Bryan carried on the business of a temperance hotel, when he was succeeded by Ballou, who added a whisky department. Nason Hutchins rented the hotel, married the widow of Mr. Ballou, and became sole proprietor. Charles Shipman was proprietor for a short time. A Frenchman and a German kept the house later ; ultimately it was purchased by Mr. Shad.

The Barton House was built about 1860. The hotel is now op- erated by J. C. De Mosh. W. C. Ayres, Thomas Barton, J. H. Wilcox and others were former owners of the building.

The Bucklin House occupied the site of the Perry House, at the southeast corner of Congress and Huron streets.

THE YPSILANTI OPERA HOUSE,

if not one of the most extensive, is certainly superior to the greater number of such establishments in its architectural beauty, and the perfection of its arrangement. Built of red brick, with black brick facings, all tastefully pointed, it conveys at once the idea that the interior must be proportionately beautiful. The structure is sur-

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mounted by a handsome cupola or dome, and this in turn with orna- mental iron work. The building was carried out under the super- intendency of Albert Stuck, by the contractors, Newton and Oliver, of this city; the plastering by Hanly Bros., Detroit, and the uphol- stery by C. S. Elmer, of Ypsilanti. The architect who designed this giant structure and its fairy ornamentation is Mortimer L. Smith; the frescoes are the work of Haykin, Detroit; the varied scenery by L. B. Chevalier; the lights by Samuel Gardner, late of Washington, D. C .; the painting and gilding by G. S. Amsden, and the stage appointments by John Hanna. The ceiling of the theater bears the medallion portraits of Longfellow, Shakspeare, Tennyson, Byron, Scott and Prof. F. H. Pease. This home of music and the drama was formally opened in January, 1880. Charles R. Whitman delivered the inaugural address, and closed with the fol- lowing peroration :-

" This is a temple to which the mighty dead shall come as to a home. Shakspeare shall move us to tears of pity and sorrow, shall make us thrill with terror, and quiver with rage, and shall strengthen our hearts and hands to braver and nobler thinking and doing. The masters of comedy shall make us forget our cares and troubles, while we smile and grow happy in the sunshine of their genial mirth. And here, too, perhaps, shall be heard the voices of great composers: Beethoven, grand and sublime, shall speak to us from those heights where dwells repose; Wagner shall bewilder us with the lawless and irregular melodies of his school; the weird and delicate notes of Chopin shall penetrate our innermost being. Here shall sound the majestic strains of Handel's " Messiah," and Men- delssohn's "Elijah"; and Mozart, and Haydn, and Schubert, and Schuman, and Rossini, and Sullivan-the whole company of music- makers, shall come and speak to us in tones inspiring holy love."

The citizens owe much to Messrs. Bogardus, Curtis and Quirk, whose enterprise raised this beautiful monument. This feeling was exhibited, in a slight degree, on the night the opera house was for- mally opened, when Mr. E. Sampson presented Mr. Bogardus with a valuable testimonial in token of the high esteem in which he was held by the citizens at large, and as a souvenir of the successful inauguration at the opera house.

THE YPSILANTI CITY BAND,

which enjoys a fame abroad, as well as credit at home, was organ- ized in 1876, with a membership of six, and Charles Skinner as the leader. The membership, however, increased yearly, with only men of known ability, until now it comprises 22. The first public appearance of the band was at Chicago, where they led in an import- ant street pageant as the leading band of the day, while the elegant uniforms were the subject of admiring comment. At the State tournament at Flint, Mich., they received the second prize for playing and the first for drill. The band has a very substantial

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HISTORY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY.

patronage among societies and proprietors of halls for a good distance around through the country. The membership now com- prises the following: J. H. Mckinstry, Manager; Charles T. Skin- ner, Leader; Joseph Eaton, snare drum; Thomas Van Riper, bass drum; Chet. Elmore, B Flat cornet; Hobert Davis, piccolo; George R. Hopkins, 1st B Flat clarionet; Robert Young, baritone; Robert Stephens, E Flat cornet; Clayton Yates, 1st B Flat tenor; John W. Wise, 2d B Flat tenor; Jacob Foerster, 1st B Flat tenor; Arthur Watling, tuba; Daniel Callahan, tuba; Oscar Rogers, B Flat bass; A. Bedell, solo alto; Wm. McDermott, 1st alto; Lewis Clappen, 2d alto; John Stiller, 1st B Flat cornet; Charles Skinner, jr., cymbals; E. H. Borce, drum major; Wm. Bell, 2d B Flat cornet.

The first band organized in this city was known as the "Light Guard Band," and comprised a portion of the present membership of the Ypsilanti City Band.

THE LIGHT GUARD IN THE WAR.

In the pages devoted to the military history of Washtenaw county, the early military affairs of Ypsilanti should be fully treated; therefore a special reference here to the men who went to the front at once, is only necessary. The roster at the period of "mus- ter out" is taken as the only certain means of recording the names of the members of Co. H., First Regiment (3 months) Mich. Inf., who served in the inaugural campaign, and who were discharged Aug. 7, 1861 :- P. C. Perry, Frederick C. Joslin, Cicero New- ell, W. H. Miller, H. R. Scovell, Smith Babcock, W. D. Simmons, Robert Reynolds, James St. Clair, Albert Stuck, G. R. Anderson, Stockton Allen, H. S. Boutelle, Thomas Baker, John Brining, D. S. Brundage, Wm. Cole, Peter Clark, E. Carson, Nelson Curtiss, J. M. Carr, Darius Curtiss, Joseph Davis, Thomas Davis, O. H. Elli- ott, T. W. Elton, Franklin Eaton, C. E. Foote, Wm. Herdman, E. A. Herrick, Lorenzo Haight, Charles Hess, Geo. Hess, Geo. H. Jackson, Michael Keane, Orrin King, W. B. Kelly, James Larkin, Rufus Lavelle, James McCoy, Park McComber, Geo. Marshall, John Norton, Thomas O'Neil, R. J. Parkhurst, Nathan Putnam, Geo. S. Phillips, Henry Post, W. H. Parker, W. H. H. Russell, Henry Ruell, J. L. Rorison, W. H. Randall, L. C. Randall, Clin- ton Spencer, Lewis Spawn, Charles Smith, F. W. Smith, John Smith, Alvah Smith, jr., G. H. Simmons, J. E. Shaffer, Abram Scott, I. B. Tuttle, Charles Twist, A. Tuller, O. Van Valkenburgh, Harmon Wise, J. M. Wallace, L. Watson, W. H. Worden, J. W. Bingham, J. H. Hodgkins. On May 20, 1862, Murray Baker, Geo. Baker and Geo. S. Phillips were mustered out, evidently after a continued service of twelve months' duration. Philip Chivers was reported missing after the Bull Run affair July 21, 1861. This company, known as the " Ypsilanti Light Guard," was the first in the State to offer its services. A few days after the attack on Fort

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History of Washtenaw County, Michigan : together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships...and biographies of representative citizens : history of Michigan, Part 125

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1457

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1457